CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 LENNY ZAKIM FUND GRANT RECIPIENTS.
As one of the earliest supporters of The Lenny Zakim Fund, we are especially proud to join in celebrating its 30th Annual Awards Ceremony!
For three decades, The Fund has championed grassroots organizations advancing social, racial, and economic justice throughout eastern Massachusetts. We applaud the tireless efforts of this year’s grant recipients and the entire LZF network for continuing to create meaningful change where it’s needed most.
THE FRIEZE FAMILY FOUNDATION
DEAR FRIENDS OF THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND,
Tonight, as we gather at our 30th Annual Awards Ceremony, I am moved to think of the scale of LZF’s impact over these last thirty years. In 1995, Lenny Zakim founded this organization with a fraction of the resources we have today, but with a clear purpose: to build up the communities around him and support those doing the hard, necessary, and often unrecognized and unfunded work.
In these thirty years, The Fund has supported the mission of nearly 440 organizations with grants totaling over $13.5 million, touching countless lives in Lenny’s name.
While this last year has been a momentous anniversary year for LZF, it has also been an incredibly challenging time in our country. As efforts are made to limit the rights of immigrants and refugees, budget cuts threaten services for families living in poverty, and systemic racism continues to affect even the youngest in our communities, I have found myself struggling to find hope in these uncertain times. I fear for my neighbors, for my fellow leaders and grassroots changemakers, for families and workers across the United States.
In these moments of doubt, I find myself coming back to Lenny’s words:
We must act. We can’t do it without you. We need you to help –to fight, to speak up, to counsel and comfort more victims, to mobilize more youth, to build more bridges – to believe that even one person can make a difference.
Our 2026 grant portfolio is made up of 49 incredible grassroots nonprofit organizations, whose passion, selflessness, and leadership inspire me each day. It is in hearing their stories, seeing their impact, and being able to support their missions, I feel Lenny’s legacy lives on, and I find sparks of hope.
In Lenny’s spirit, let us leave tonight committed to action. Each of you is already doing the hard work of building stronger, more just communities. Tonight, I invite you to carry this shared energy forward—by deepening connections with one another, lifting up the stories of your peers, and continuing to stand boldly for the values we all hold. Together, our collective action ensures that this work not only continues, but grows.
In solidarity, Allison E. Picott, Executive Director The Lenny Zakim Fund
PROGRAM
SPECIAL LZF 30TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO
WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS
Allison Picott, Executive Director,The LennyZakim Fund
Sandra Nijjar
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Founder & Executive Director, East Boston Community Soup Kitchen
Octavia Nankunda
Co-Founder & Clinical Director, P&O Behavioral Health Initiative
SPECIAL REMARKS
Josh Zakim
Board Secretary, The Lenny Zakim Fund
INTRODUCTION OF 2026
LENNY ZAKIM FUND’S GRANTEE PARTNERS
Access to Food, Housing, and Economic Security
Children and Youth Development and Education
Civil and Human Rights Advocacy and Support
Health Promotion and Accessibility for All
LGBTQIA Community Support and Organizing
CLOSING REMARKS
Felicia Heywood
Board Chair, The Lenny Zakim Fund
SPECIAL THANKS
Organizing and Support for Immigrants and Refugees
Violence Prevention, Criminal Justice Reform, and Family Outreach
The Lenny Zakim Fund’s Board of Directors and staff would like to thank the following for making our 30th Annual Awards Ceremony possible:
Bakers’ Best
Boston Linguistics
DJ Kerr and Eternal Visuals
Jess Guida and WGBH
Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Maureen McGoldrick and Grossman Marketing Group
Octavia Nankunda and Priscilla Rwandarugali and P&O Behavioral Health Initiative
Sandra Nijjar and the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen
Tammy Torrey and Gill Fishman Design
The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 2026 Board of Directors
The Lenny Zakim Fund’s Community Investments Committee
The Lenny Zakim Fund’s Site Visitors
EAST BOSTON COMMUNITY SOUP KITCHEN
EAST BOSTON, EBCSK.ORG
The East Boston Community Soup Kitchen offers nourishment and a community space for those experiencing challenging life circumstances, such as food insecurity, addiction, and homelessness. They hold a holistic understanding of the varied needs of their community and serve as a place of dignity and compassion for all who enter their space.
Sandra Nijjar
Founder and Executive Director
Sandra Nijjar, an El Salvadorian immigrant, founded the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen in 2016 after experiencing an abrupt job loss. She envisioned a sanctuary where marginalized individuals could access nutritious meals and vital services, all in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Sandra’s sense of civic responsibility, ingrained by her community-focused grandparents, serves as a constant motivator in her enduring dedication to helping others.
P&O BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE, INC.
MERRIMACK VALLEY, POBHI.ORG
P&O Behavioral Health Initiative addresses mental health challenges and provides a safe place for persons in underprivileged and immigrant communities by offering support and integration. POBHI offers behavioral health services and coordination of resources to marginalized groups, persons with cognitive impairment, and learning disabilities so they can develop and improve life skills to the best of their abilities.
Octavia Nankunda
Co-Founder and Clinical Director
Octavia Nankunda is a graduate of Masters of Education from Cambridge College with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counselling. She is an avid counsellor experienced in Marriage and Family Therapy, Individual counseling, supporting clients with mental illness and developmental disabilities. With her co-founder, Priscilla Rwandarugali, she launched P&O Behavioral Health Initiative in 2020, with a mission of elevating marginalized and underprivileged communities by empowering them to achieve success — using evidence-based and culturally competent treatments.
LZF Mission Statement
The Lenny Zakim Fund works to develop deep relationships and builds bridges among people and communities to advance social, economic, and racial justice. Our mission is to listen those most impacted by inequity and provide the funding, essential resources, and support they need to create lasting change.
LZF Vision Statement
The Lenny Zakim Fund envisions a more just and equitable world where communities thrive because of the contributions and leadership of grassroots organizations.
“We have the power to change things. It doesn’t take much to start a revolution of thought and spirit. It takes one person and then another. When it works, it’s a work of art.”
– Lenny Zakim, Founder
LZF Core Values
The work of The Lenny Zakim Fund is guided by the following principles:
SOCIAL JUSTICE
All that we do is based in our deeply held belief that social justice is equity and that the fundamental rights, well-being and dignity of all people must be recognized, upheld, and celebrated.
GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP
LZF is inspired by and respects the power and ability of those most impacted by injustice to bring about change.
DIVERSITY AND BELONGING
We embrace a culture of inclusion and belonging, one that seeks out and welcomes the voices of those with diverse life experiences and intersectional identities.
LEARNING
We firmly believe that continuous, active and reciprocal learning is critical to promoting awareness and creating a solid foundation for change.
BRIDGE BUILDING
We are committed to bridging real and perceived difference, and to creating strong and lasting relationships that are fundamental to progress.
RESPONSIVENESS
Emerging challenges that impact those we serve require an acceptance of risk and an ability to adapt and respond as rapidly as possible.
LOVE
Love is at the heart of philanthropy. Love and compassion motivate and sustain the spirit of those who partner with LZF and remain dedicated to justice for all.
About The Lenny Zakim Fund
The Lenny Zakim Fund strengthens grassroots organizations and community leaders through technical training, coaching and counselling, pro bono legal services, networking, and grantmaking.
The Fund is a trusted partner and convener of social justice programs and enables grassroots leaders to create powerful change in their own communities.
The Lenny Zakim Fund Board of Directors & Staff
Leonard Zakim Founder
Felicia Heywood Chair
Mo Castillo Vice Chair
Michael Eckton Treasurer
Josh Zakim
Secretary
Joa Ahern-Seronde
Nick Bates
Ben Echevarria
Gaby Goldstein
Mark Irvings
Alex Leventhal
Emmanuel Owusu
Deborah Seidel
Aprylle Wallace
Deena Zakim
Joyce Zakim
Shari Zakim-Yacouby
Allison Picott Executive Director
Tiffany Lau Deputy Director
Carla Beaudoin Director of Development
Madelyn Vining Assistant Grants Manager
Claire Molinich Program and Development Administrator
The Lenny Zakim Fund Bridge Builders
The Bridge Builders honor and recognize the contributions of our donors, volunteers, former board members, and other important friends of The Fund. The board deeply appreciates all that they do for The Lenny Zakim Fund.
Joa Ahern-Seronde
Barr Foundation
Nick Bates
Jessica Baylor
Kathy Benharris and KB Fashion Productions
Brianna Boggs
Keturah Brewster
Hehershe Buseuego
Jodi Catino and Cuyana
Alan Chebot
Debby Cherry
Renata Coker, Claire Vail and MyBoston
Columbus Hospitality Group
Copley Place
Amy Dominici
Eastern Bank
Empire Loan
Entertainment Specialists
Michael Eckton
Lisa Flores
Linda Frieze
Michael Frieze
Gina Ghioldi and Cocktails in Hell
Josie Greene
Sharona Halpern
Shifrah (Susan) Halevi and Lawyers Clearinghouse
Jessica Hennessey
Mark Irvings
Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation
Cindy Joyce
Suzi Kaitz
Linda King and CAMI
Klarman Family Foundation
Debora Konig
Robert Weinberg THANK YOU!
Douglas Krupp
Community Investments Committee
Judi Krupp
Linguistic Systems, Inc.
MassHousing
Charlayne Murrell-Smith
Sarah Musgrave
Danielle Nihill
Rory Neuner
Tom Pappas
Heidi Price and Heidi Price Design
Elaine Sager
Bobby Sager
Kate Sawyer
Deborah Seidel
Amy Shulman Weinberg
Stuart Simon
Ellie Starr
Paige Tatum
Temple B’Nai Israel
The Community Investment Committee is critical to The Fund’s annual grant program whose responsiiblities include reading, reviewing all grant proposals, evaluating site visit feedback, and recommending grants to the board. We thank the members for their selfless dedication.
Joa Ahern-Seronde
Nick Bates
Mo Castillo
Debby Cherry
Ben Echevarria
Varsha Ghosh
Felicia Heywood
Olu Ibrahim
Mark Irvings
Tiffany Lau
Alphonse Litz
Amy Maizel Seeherman
Hilary Maguire
Emmanuel Owusu
Allison Picott
Betsy Rigby
Sharon Sankey
Deborah Seidel
Madelyn Vining
Joyce Zakim
Deena Zakim
Shari Zakim-Yacouby
Alice Zimelman
Site Visitors
Site visits are “inspirational due diligence,” essential to the LZF grantmaking process. Thank you to all of our volunteers for the work, wisdom, caring and compassion they give.
Joa Ahern-Seronde
Debby Cherry
Ben Echevarria
Varsha Ghosh
Board Members Emeriti
John Graham
Mark Irvings
Tiffany Lau
Deborah Seidel
Rob Sherman
Madelyn Vining
Joyce Zakim
The Lenny Zakim Fund is eternally grateful to our board member emeriti for their incredible leadership, commitment, and generosity while serving on The Lenny Zakim Fund board and beyond.
Miki Akimoto
Jennifer Winn Aronson
Amy Belkin Monfenson
Mary Carty
Former Executive Director
Clementina Chery
Joseph Chery
Gregg Croteau
Yasmin Cruz Ferrine
Lilee Dethchan
Beth Dill
Janice Ditchek
Asmaa Donahue
Eric Esteves
Former Executive Director
Donna Latson Gittens
Joseph Goodman
Jude Goldman
Former Executive
Director
Lisa Gordon
Steve Grossman
Tim James
Jon Jennings
Angela Johnson
Suzi Kaitz
Caren Keller
Judith Krupp
Richard Krupp
Celeste Reid Lee
Sofia Lingos-Papaliodis
Ron Marlow
Peter Meade
Charlayne Murrell-Smith
Kevin O’Malley
Joe Rodio
Erika Rodriguez
Gabriela Romanow
Michael Ross
Glenn Rothman
Susan Rothman
Elaine Sager
Harold Schwartz
Michael Schwartz
Rob Sherman
Sam Slater
Jill Snider
Mark Sokoll
Ellie Starr
Loren Van Allen
Jonathan Samen In memoriam
Martin E. Kantor Honorary
Lucille S. Kantor Honorary
THANK YOU!
For their tremendous support, The Lenny Zakim Fund board extends our eternal gratitude to:
TEMPLE B’NAI ISRAEL
And special thanks to this evening’s sponsors:
THE FRIEZE FAMILY FOUNDATION
And our valued Community Partners:
The Lenny Zakim Fund is deeply grateful to the following for their support to strengthen our grant recipients and nonprofit leaders through our Annual Institute, seminars and the Transformational Leadership Cohort (TLC) program:
Joa Ahern-Seronde
Kelly Baker
Barr Foundation
Nick Bates
Donna Bivens
Boston Linguistics
Boston Women’s Fund
Brianna Boggs
DLA Piper
Susan Donahue
George Earley
Michael Eckton
Chris Elwell
Episcopal City Mission
Martin Familia
Maria FernandesDominique
Shifrah Halevi
Haymarket People’s Fund
Hyams Foundation
Mark Irvings
Rebecca Jackson
Chanelle John
Robin Kane
Rana Kannan
Linda King
Krupp Family Foundation
Lawyer’s Clearinghouse
Erin Leonard
Maria Elena Letona
Alphonse Litz
Mass Housing
Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Madeline McNeely
Jaclyn Miller
Kindred Motes
Danielle Nihill
Abby Nguyen-Burke
Tom Pappas
Partners Interpreting
Lisa Ramsdell
Betsy Rigby
Monifa Robinson
Jeff Rogers
Kaitlyn Sawyer
EJ Seibert
Deborah Seidel
Sarah Shampnois
Aileen Sheehan
Madeleine Steczynski
Aprylle Wallace
Marianne Yoshioka
2025 YEAR IN
WE BEGAN 2025 BY AWARDING
$678,000
TO 53 GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS
2/3 1/2 and nearly
The Lenny Zakim Fund began 2025 by awarding $678,000 to 53 grassroots organizations, 46 renewal grants and 7 new grantee partners. 28 challenge match grants were awarded to our grantee partners. Two thirds of the grassroots organizations are led by people of color and nearly 1/2 by women. The average grant award was $11,150. Over the past 30 years, LZF has awarded over 1,600 grants totaling approximately $13.5 million to over 430 organizations.
In 2025, we continued offering not just financial support, but technical assistance and community building to all grantee partners. Throughout the year, LZF offered each of our grantee partners $28,600 worth of capacity-building programming, including seminars, leadership trainings, community events, and resources.
LZF Board Member Deborah Seidel hosted virtual weekly office hours, drawing upon her expertise as a non-profit executive and board member, to serve as a sounding board and resource to numerous current and former grantee partners, providing them with advice on a variety of nonprofit and leadership topics. 2025 saw the first full year of our new Catalytic Consulting Program, allowing our grantee partners to access several hours of good quality consulting at no cost to them. This kind of tailored consulting can be a gamechanger for nonprofit leaders and their organizations, in anything from leadership coaching to developing fundraising plans, to dealing with HR and Board issues.
LZF ran the fourth cohort of the Transformational Leadership Cohort (TLC) program in 2025, which included 13 leaders representing various current and former LZF grantee partner organizations. Created and launched in 2019, TLC is specifically intended to benefit small, grassroots organizations and leaders, primarily from historically excluded of whom are led by people of color by women
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW (
populations, through executive coaching, workshop-based, skill-building trainings around leadership development, and capacity building. Our fifth TLC Cohort kicked off in December, and our 2026 leaders have begun working closely with their coaches. To date, LZF’s TLC program has proudly supported 56 leaders representing 50 current and former grantee partners organizations through 5 cohorts.
Throughout 2025, LZF offered 12 virtual seminars to our current and former grantees focused on topics such as risk management, budgeting, cybersecurity, and strategic communications, including a seminar on grant reports hosted by Board Member Joa Ahern-Seronde. Following this seminar, Joa hosted weekly virtual office hours to assist current grantee partners in completing their year-end grant report to LZF. Submission of a grant report allows our partners to be eligible for renewal of funding.
On April 21st, Team LZF crossed the finish line at the 129th Boston Marathon. Our 2025 runners Lucy Nash and Reynolds Graves raised awareness and funding for The Lenny Zakim Fund, touching countless lives as they ran all 26.2 miles. In 2026, two new runners will be representing LZF as they prepare to run the 130th Boston Marathon.
This Summer, our Board Chair Felicia Heywood launched her new Board Partners initiative - designed to deepen engagement with our grantee organizations and further The Lenny Zakim Fund’s mission of fostering meaningful connections and building bridges. Board Partners serve as an additional bridge, ensuring that our grantee organizations experience personal connection and feel truly supported by The Lenny Zakim Fund.
On June 12, LZF’s Annual Learning Institute was held. This year’s theme was financial management, and we programmed a day of discussions, presentations, and workshops on topics from the board’s fiduciary responsibility to making the most of your banking relationship. LZF was thrilled to convene 76 attendees at the Institute, including board, staff, and leaders from 38 current and former grantee partners. Despite all that is going on within our grantee partners’ communities, attendees were pleased to be a part of a day of learning and community building!
In August and September, the LZF staff hosted a series of socials for our current and former grantee partners. Not only was this an opportunity for us to connect with the organizations that LZF has funded over the years, but for our grantee partners to connect with each other and find partnership potential, learning opportunities, and support and solidarity amongst their peers.
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
On September 6th, our 2nd Annual Light the Night may not have unfolded exactly as envisioned with hailstorms and tornado warnings pushing us indoors. What was planned as an outdoor soirée transformed into a lively indoor celebration, where our grantee partner Circus Up adapted seamlessly with a memorable performance that set a joyful tone. And while we weren’t dancing under the glow of the illuminated Zakim Bridge, over 200 members of the LZF community came together inside to enjoy delicious food and drinks, lively dancing, and meaningful connections—all in support of our work with grassroots organizations across Eastern Massachusetts. This event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our planning and host committees, as well as our incredible sponsors.
Mark your calendars! Our Annual Event will be back in 2026 with a new name, and a new location, but all for the same mission. Join us September 19, 2026 at The Grand Seaport. Save the date, we can’t wait to see you there!
On September 29th, LZF hosted a special dinner for 49 current and emeriti board members and their guests to celebrate The Lenny Zakim Fund and 30 years of building bridges. Since LZF’s founding in 1995, 62 people have served on LZF’s board, representing close to 600 years of combined service. The evening included remarks from various individuals who reflected on LZF’s rich history. We recounted the founding of LZF, recalled key moments and the people who were critical to The Fund’s evolution and many successes, and recognized the many partnerships LZF has been honored to cultivate with over 430 grassroots organizations over the past 30 years. And, of course, we remembered our founder, Lenny, through laughter, tears, and a celebratory shot of tequila.
On November 6th, we hosted Fashioning Stronger Communities: A Fashion Show to benefit The Lenny Zakim Fund. We are extremely grateful to our wonderful partners Copley Place and KB Fashion Productions for designing this incredible event and to all the models who hit the runway to raise awareness for and in honor of LZF.
On November 8th, we were honored to once again co-host an annual grantee gathering in collaboration with the Boston Women’s Fund, Episcopal City Mission, Haymarket People’s Fund, Hyams Foundation, and Krupp Family Foundation. We were joined by nearly 200 leaders, representing dozens of grassroots organizations doing work across New England. The day was not just about community-building, but featured seminars on nonprofit leadership, healing opportunities, and dedicated breakout groups.
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
On November 17, on what would have been Lenny’s 71st birthday, we proudly hosted our 24th annual No Show Ball, with over 125 families and individuals joining in the celebration through their generous donations throughout the month-long fundraising campaign. This unique event invited participants to enjoy a quiet evening at home, free from the need for formal attire or the hassle of traffic and parking. Guests dined wherever and whenever they liked, embracing the spirit of the evening without the usual fanfare of an open bar or catered meals—making it a truly personal and meaningful way to honor Lenny’s legacy.
In December, we said goodbye to Rob Sherman, the last original LZF boardmember, to retire from the Board. We are grateful for Rob’s 30 years of service to The Lenny Zakim Fund. LZF begins our 31st year with a 16-person board.
The Lenny Zakim Fund extends our deepest gratitude to our donors for their generous support and proudly celebrates our grantee partners for their tireless efforts to advance social, economic, and racial justice within their communities. Together, we can make Lenny’s belief that extraordinary social change can be created at the grassroots level more of a reality with each year - and decade - that passes.
Thank you and onward!
LZF GRANTS 2018-2025: BY FUNDING CATEGORY
Children & Youth Development & Education
Civil & Human Rights Advocacy & Support Health Promotion & Accessibility for All
LZF ANNUAL GRANT CYCLE
The Lenny Zakim Fund maintains an active portfolio of ~50 grassroots nonprofit organizations, typically welcoming 5 to 10 new grantee partners into our portfolio each year. To be eligible to receive funding from LZF, prospective grant applicants must be a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization (or have a fiscal sponsor) and be based in and serve Eastern Massachusetts.
LZF prides itself on being a practitioner of trust-based philanthropy, which is central to our work as a funder. We recognize that our grassroots communityled applicants are most knowledgeable about the challenges in their own communities and are best suited to create solutions. Accordingly, all our grants are unrestricted in nature to allow our
grantee partners to determine how best to deploy the money.
Our Community Investments Committee, which consists of LZF staff, board members, and volunteers from the community, is responsible for evaluating and making grant award decisions as part of a six-month process that includes a written grant application and site visit with a select number of applicants.
After five years, once an organization is no longer eligible to receive funding from LZF, the goal is for the organization to be able to flourish and leverage the skills and support acquired during their time with LZF to secure new and diverse areas of funding. .
GRANT RECIPIENTS ALPHABETICALLY
2Gether We Eat
African Community Center of Lowell (ACCL)
Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation, Inc.
Bridge Forward, Inc.
Brockton Workers Alliance (BWA)
Bryce’s Journey, Inc.
Cape Ann Art Haven
Casa Mariposa, Inc.
Circus Up
City Strings United
Cultural Exchange Through Soccer (CETS)
DEAFinitely, Inc.
DeeDee’s Cry Suicide Prevention & Family Support
Do-It-Yourself-Lowell
East Boston Community Soup Kitchen
Eritrean American Civic Association (EACA)
Financial Education Associates, Inc.
Gratis Healthcare, Inc.
Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc.
JOYweavers, Inc.
Lamplight Women’s Literacy Center
Lives Are Meant To Be Changed, Inc.
Love Life Now Foundation
Mercy Meals & More, Inc.
Neighborhood Counseling and Community Services, Inc. (NCCS)
Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE)
New England Medical Association, Inc. (NEMA)
New Lynn Coalition
Nigerian American Multi-Service Association (NAMSA)
Open Door Immigration Services (ODIS)
Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc.
OutstandingLife, Inc.
Pathway to Better Health
P&O Behavioral Health Initiative, Inc.
Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, Inc.
Potencia, Inc.
Pride Productions, Inc.
Queer History Boston
Reclaim Roxbury
Refugees & Immigrants Cultural Empowerment Massachusetts (RICEMA)
Revive in Action, Inc.
Sisters Unchained, Inc.
South Boston En Accion
Teen JUST-US at Temple Israel of Boston
The Dream Network
Think Outside The Vox, Inc.
Translate Gender
Urban PowerHouse
Vong Tay Cha Me Viet
GRANT RECIPIENTS BY MISSION
ACCESS TO FOOD, HOUSING, & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
2Gether We Eat
Bridge Forward, Inc.
East Boston Community Soup Kitchen
Financial Education Associates, Inc.
Lamplight Women’s Literacy Center
Lives Are Meant To Be Changed, Inc.
Mercy Meals & More, Inc.
New Lynn Coalition
Reclaim Roxbury
CHILD & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION
Bryce’s Journey, Inc.
Cape Ann Art Haven
Circus Up
City Strings United Cultural Exchange Through Soccer (CETS)
DEAFinitely, Inc.
JOYweavers, Inc.
Pride Productions, Inc.
Sisters Unchained
Teen JUST-US at Temple Israel of Boston
Vong Tay Cha Me Viet
CIVIL & HUMAN RIGHTS
ADVOCACY & SUPPORT
Do-It-Yourself Lowell
Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE)
Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, Inc.
HEALTH PROMOTION & ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL
DeeDee’s Cry Suicide Prevention & Family Support
Gratis Healthcare, Inc.
Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc.
Neighborhood Counseling and Community Services, Inc. (NCCS)
New England Medical Association, Inc. (NEMA)
Think Outside the Vox, Inc.
Urban PowerHouse
LGBTQIA COMMUNITY SUPPORT & ORGANIZING
Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation, Inc.
OutstandingLife, Inc.
Pathway to Better Health
Queer History Boston
Translate Gender
ORGANZING & SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRANTS & REFUGEES
African Community Center of Lowell (ACCL)
Brockton Workers Alliance (BWA)
Casa Mariposa, Inc.
Eritrean American Civic Association (EACA)
Nigerian American Multi-Service Association (NAMSA)
Open Door Immigration Services (ODIS)
P&O Behavioral Health Initiative, Inc.
Potencia, Inc.
Refugees & Immigrants Cultural Empowerment Massachusetts (RICEMA)
Revive In Action, Inc.
South Boston en Accion
VIOLENCE PREVENTION, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM & FAMILY OUTREACH
Love Life Now Foundation
Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc.
The Dream Network
A SPECIAL WORD OF GRATITUDE TO TEMPLE B’NAI ISRAEL
In October 2023, The Lenny Zakim Fund (LZF or The Fund) received a very generous gift from the former Temple B’nai Israel of Revere to support LZF grantee partner organizations who are doing work to advance social, racial, and economic justice in Revere, Chelsea, Lynn, and other communities along the North Shore.
AREA
Established in 1906 in the Beachmont neighborhood of Revere, Temple B’nai Israel (TBI) has the distinction of being one of the oldest original synagogues in Massachusetts. In 2019, Temple B’Nai Israel made the decision to close its doors. Desirous to create a lasting legacy, Temple B’nai Israel chose LZF to receive the proceeds from the sale of its former temple building recognizing that the two organizations share Jewish values and a strong commitment to social justice.
TBI’s gift has been invested in a special endowed fund which will be drawn down by LZF each year over a period of 18 years (through 2041) to provide critical grant funding to LZF grassroots partner organizations in Revere, Chelsea, Lynn, and along the North Shore who share the Temple’s Jewish values and strong commitment to social justice.
The Lenny Zakim Fund is eternally grateful to the congregants of Temple B’Nai Israel for their belief in The Fund and our work with grassroots organizations.
The Fund congratulates the following 2026 LZF grantee partners whose grants are funded by Temple B’nai Israel’s generosity:
Casa Mariposa
East Boston Community Soup Kitchen Neighbors United for a Better East Boston
New Lynn Coalition
Open Door Immigration Services
2GETHER WE EAT
WORCESTER, 2GETHERWEEAT.COM
Providing food, education, training, and employment using hydroponics to help fight the food crisis in food deserts across our communities.
2Gether We Eat is a youth farming program that targets community food deserts. The organization uses hydroponic farming to feed, train and employ the youth in the community, while providing and donating produce to our youth, local food banks, and community.
AFRICAN COMMUNITY CENTER OF LOWELL (ACCL)
LOWELL, ACCLOWELL.ORG
Helping to foster a welcoming and inclusive community for African immigrants and refugees in the Greater Lowell area.
African Community Center of Lowell’s mission is to equip African immigrants and refugees in the Greater Lowell area with resources to be actively engaged community members, through educational, social, and cultural initiatives. Since 2016, ACCL has assisted more than 2,000 immigrants make a strong and healthy start in the Greater Lowell area.
BOSTON LESBIGAY URBAN FOUNDATION, INC.
DORCHESTER, LESBIGAYURBANFOUNDATION.ORG
Fostering positive futures of LGBTQ+ youth of color.
Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation, Inc. increases awareness of and support for Boston’s QTBIPOC community through education and the curation of spaces with integrity and pride. BLU seeks to break the cycle of dysfunction in marginalized communities by making medical and mental health awareness a priority and uplifting the voices of LGBTQ+ leaders
BRIDGE FORWARD, INC.
BOSTON, BRIDGEFORWARD.ORG
Helping MA residents build financial stability through connection, trust, and real support.
Bridge Forward is an economic mobility organization founded and led by people of color. It is designed to help individuals and families experiencing financial hardship and affected by the racial wealth gap, with multi-year financial and coaching support to propel their journey towards stability and wealth building.
Empowering immigrant workers to lead the fight for their rights.
Brockton Workers Alliance educates, supports, organizes, and empowers immigrant workers to confront long-term workplace abuses and exploitation and to lead the fight for their rights through the development of better local, state, and national policies.
BRYCE’S JOURNEY, INC.
BOSTON, BRYCESJOURNEY.ORG
Devoted to helping underserved kids with autism.
Bryce’s Journey, Inc. provides free or low-cost support to low-income inner-city families who have children with Autism and ADHD. The organization also provides guidance, informational resources, support groups, and educational workshops for parents and caregivers.
2026 GRANT RECIPIENT
CAPE ANN ART HAVEN GLOUCESTER, ARTHAVEN.ORG
Providing high quality art education and community building to all.
Cape Ann Art Haven’s mission is to ensure that every child on Cape Ann has access to the wideranging benefits of arts education by removing barriers like cost and transportation to make arts learning truly accessible. By supporting the next generation of Cape Ann artists, the organization is carrying forward the community’s rich tradition of creativity and culture into the future.
CASA MARIPOSA, INC. LYNN, CASAMARIPOSA.ORG
Providing a safe and affordable home for families in need..
Casa Mariposa is a safe and affordable home for families in need where residents can find a supportive community and a sense of belonging. The organization provides culturally inclusive, responsive and respectful education and subsidized housing to marginalized immigrants and their families as they navigate adjustment to life in Lynn.
2026 GRANT
CIRCUS UP, INC.
BOSTON, CIRCUSUP.COM
Using circus arts and skills to create stronger, kinder, and more resilient communities.
Circus Up uses circus arts to overcome social barriers and build community with students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Based in Boston, Circus Up is part of an international “social circus” movement that uses circus arts and skills to create stronger, kinder, and more resilient communities. Circus Up partners with community-based organizations and Boston Public schools to offer youth development programs that build confidence, communication, leadership, and self-advocacy skills.
CITY STRINGS UNITED
BOSTON, CITYSTRINGS.ORG
Transforming young lives through stringed instruments.
City Strings United was founded on the belief that access to high-quality youth programs can create positive change in economically-strained communities and foster the social, emotional and educational
development of its youth. CSU provides free cello lessons and unique performance opportunities to four-year-old through eighteen-year-old students primarily from urban Boston with a focus on discipline, teamwork, respect, listening and accountability.
2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS
CULTURAL EXCHANGE THROUGH SOCCER (CETS)
WORCESTER, PSNNC.ORG/ YOUTH-OPPORTUNITIES
Empowering youth from diverse communities to play, share, and teach soccer and to become leaders to improve Worcester.
Beginning as a neighborhoodbased community building program, CETS empowers youth through soccer, using the sport as a tool for leadership, cultural exchange, and community building. Through their programs, including the Annual Worcester World Cup, CETS fosters personal growth, inclusivity, and social connection, planting seeds for a more united and vibrant future.
DEAFINITELY, INC.
BOSTON, DEAFINITELYINC.COM
Changing the paradigm for deaf and hard of hearing youth.
DEAFinitely empowers Deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, deaf-disabled and hearing youth through mentorship, performing arts, and American Sign Language (ASL).
DEAFinitely youth learn to communicate and work together as a team, expressing positive messages through dance and ASL. Through Deaf-to-Deaf mentoring, youth engage in regular ASL-rich outlets to deepen connections and develop fundamental skills to interact in the world.
2026 GRANT
DEEDEE’S CRY SUICIDE PREVENTION & FAMILY SUPPORT
DORCHESTER, DEEDEESCRY.ORG
Providing resources on suicide prevention and loss & mental health education.
DeeDee’s Cry supports families impacted by suicide through the provision of suicide prevention and loss resources, and mental health education. The organization is creating a safe space for conversation and lifting the stigma on suicide and mental health within BIPOC communities. DeeDee’s Cry offers event programs, projects, and activities within BIPOC communities focusing on family, mental health, and suicide prevention.
DO-IT-YOURSELF LOWELL
LOWELL, DIYLOWELL.ORG
Connecting people with ideas to funding, technical assistance, and to one another. Do-It-Yourself Lowell is dedicated to helping community members make small-scale projects and events happen together. Their mission revolves around three key goals: building lasting, exciting civic improvements, building civic engagement skills, and building a diverse community.
2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS
EAST BOSTON COMMUNITY SOUP KITCHEN
EAST BOSTON, EBCSK.ORG
Providing nourishment in all forms to those facing adversity.
The East Boston Community Soup Kitchen offers nourishment and a community space for those experiencing challenging life circumstances, such as food insecurity, addiction, and homelessness. They hold a holistic understanding of the varied needs of their community and serve as a place of dignity and compassion for all who enter their space.
ERITREAN AMERICAN CIVIC ASSOCIATION (EACA)
BOSTON, EACABOSTON.COM
Promoting civic engagement, community organizing, social and cultural interactions among Eritrean-Americans.
The Eritrean American Civic Association aims to support migrant communities through language training, workforce development, cultural programming, civic engagement, and professional networks. EACA develops programs that respond to the needs of Eritrean and other immigrant communities from Africa and helps increase awareness about refugees and immigrant issues locally and statewide.
2026 GRANT
FINANCIAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATES, INC.
BOSTON, MONEY-CLASSES.COM
Providing high-quality Homebuyer and Financial Education seminars and consulting services.
Financial Education Associates’ (FEA) mission is to serve Massachusetts residents by providing unbiased homebuyer education to help them achieve their dream of homeownership. FEA has graduated over 20,000 people since its inception in 2001. The organization also provides financial education seminars, online homebuyer classes, online landlord classes, classes for new homeowners and counseling for our graduates.
GRATIS HEALTHCARE, INC. FRAMINGHAM,
Removing barriers to basic health care and striving to connect patients to the Massachusetts health care system and community resources.
In recognition of the growing need for access to basic health care for those communities that are uninsured or underinsured in the MetroWest and Greater Boston area, Gratis Healthcare provides free medical and mental health services to those in need. By using volunteer clinicians in multiple specialties with Portuguese and Spanish interpreters, the organization aims to remove barriers to basic health care and strive to connect patients to the Massachusetts health care system and community resources.
HEART OF A GIANT FOUNDATION, INC.
BOSTON, HEARTOFAGIANT.ORG
Empowering communities to prevent and address chronic heart conditions.
The Heart of a Giant Foundation addresses the disproportionate burden of heart disease in underserved communities. The organization improves early detection, diagnosis, and management of cardiac risk factors through culturally responsive education, empowerment, and care coordination.
JOYWEAVERS, INC.
CAMBRIDGE, JOYWEAVERS.ORG
Celebrating joy, learning, and the wonder of childhood.
For families affected by trauma, disability, or school challenges, JOYweavers offers accessible programming for children, work experiences for teens, advocacy and resources for caregivers, and community for all to feel welcomed, known and valued. Through their five-week summer camp and year-long family support and community building programming, JOYweavers promotes social-emotional development, learning and joy.
LAMPLIGHT WOMEN’S LITERACY CENTER
ARLINGTON, LAMPLIGHTLITERACY.ORG
Providing adult education programs to support the advancement of women with limited incomes.
Lamplight Women’s Literacy Center partners with women of limited economic resources, encouraging them to envision ambitious futures and responding with tailored educational programs that support their goals. Lamplight’s programs advance students’ English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while providing them with career advising, job search assistance, and referrals for other social service needs.
LIVES ARE MEANT TO BE CHANGED, INC.
BOSTON, LIVESAREMEANTTOBE CHANGED.ORG
Driving health, wellness, and prosperity for men of color and their families
Lives Are Meant To Be Changed empowers men of color who are returning from a period of incarceration who are facing the challenges of substance abuse, mental health issues, and societal reintegration. The organization supports them and provides access to essential services and resources to aid their journey towards self-sufficiency and well-being.
2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS
LOVE LIFE NOW FOUNDATION
AVON, LOVELIFENOW.ORG
Supporting survivors of domestic violence through year-round initiatives and direct assistance to domestic violence programs. As a global awareness and education organization, Love Life Now Foundation provides resources to those seeking help regarding domestic violence through educational workshops, panels, presentations, and year-round awareness. Love Life Now Foundation also provides direct assistance to domestic violence shelters.
MERCY MEALS & MORE NEW BEDFORD, MERCYMEALSANDMORE.COM
Providing a nutritious beginning to the day for neighbors in need. Mercy Meals & More provides free meals, clothing, and foot care to those in need while simultaneously cultivating friendships and building a stronger community. Offering a hot breakfast program Monday through Saturday, Mercy Meals & More treats their guests with dignity and respect.
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNSELING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. (NCCS)
SOMERVILLE, NEIGHBORHOODCOUNSELINGSERVICES.ORG
Improving the quality of life of anyone who feels vulnerable.
NCCS provides much-needed accessible and affordable counseling for individuals, children, adolescents, adults, families and groups in Somerville, Medford, Malden, Everett, and Chelsea. NCCS seeks to improve the quality of life of anyone who feels vulnerable and is looking for ways to better the relationship they have with themselves, their families, and their communities.
NEIGHBORS UNITED FOR A BETTER EAST BOSTON (NUBE) EAST BOSTON, NUBEASTBOSTON.ORG
Envisioning a community where neighbors co-exist, support, and encourage each other.
Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE) works to build community power and participatory democracy through organizing, advocacy, leadership development, and civic action to create a better and more just East Boston and beyond. NUBE believes that abundant leaders, who intentionally engage in social, economic, and political life, will help create alternative systems and structures that promote social transformation.
2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS
NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, INC. (NEMA)
BROOKLINE, NEMA-NMA.ORG
Mobilizing the Black physician community to shape a just future for medicine. The New England Medical Association connects Black physicians in the New England area who are passionate about combatting healthcare inequality. NEMA members advocate to eliminate health disparities while building community power through career development, mentorship programs, and community-based projects.
NEW LYNN COALITION
LYNN, NEWLYNN.ORG
Organizing working class people into a unified, permanent, political, and economic force.
The New Lynn Coalition is made up of community, faith, and labor activists who organize all sectors of working-class people into a unified, permanent, political, and economic force that is union and non-union, and transcends racial, linguistic, ethnic, citizenship, faith, and gender boundaries. It seeks to redress/address the extreme income inequality that comes from lack of power for working people.
NIGERIAN AMERICAN MULTI-SERVICE ASSOCIATION (NAMSA)
BOSTON, NAMSA.ORG
Dedicated to promoting and preserving the culture and heritage of all people of Nigerian ancestry.
The Nigerian works to provide a supportive environment through education, networking opportunities and other services that help people adapt and thrive. Celebrating the contributions of Nigerian Americans and helping new immigrants integrate into American society, NAMSA aims to promote inclusive and lasting socioeconomic progress in their community and beyond using advocacy and philanthropy.
OPEN DOOR IMMIGRATION SERVICES (ODIS)
BEVERLY, ODISMA.ORG
Guiding immigrants through the complex journey of the immigration system.
Open Door Immigration Services is a Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited legal services organization that provides affordable and no-cost legal service for immigrants navigating the challenges to obtaining legal immigrant status. ODIS prioritizes delivery of these services to the underserved low-income immigrants in their community.
OUR DEAF SURVIVORS CENTER, INC.
WORCESTER, ODSCMA.ORG
Empowering survivors and strengthening support for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing communities
Our Deaf Survivors Center serves individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence in Deaf communities by providing culturally sustaining resources and services. ODSC aims to create a compassionate community that centers individual self-determination of every person who has been or is currently affected by domestic and sexual violence.
OUTSTANDINGLIFE ROXBURY, OUTSTANDINGLIFE.ORG
Disrupting social isolation of LGTBQ+ elders through virtual community.
OutstandingLife addresses the unique challenges of LGBTQ+ elders through connection building, leading them to live more empowered and joyful lives. OutstandingLife’s online community offers LGBTQ+ elders a virtual space where they can combat loneliness and benefit from educational programming thereby deepening their connections within the community.
PATHWAY TO BETTER HEALTH
LOWELL, APATHWAYTOBETTER HEALTH.COM
Providing access to highquality, compassionate healthcare for all.
Pathway to Better Health (PTBHealth) provides compassionate, stigma-free, gender affirming care to Queer members of the community with a focus on those who have traditionally been stigmatized and marginalized by the healthcare system. The organization believes healthcare is a basic human right, and everyone deserves access to high-quality healthcare and support, regardless of their HIV status, gender identity or substance use history.
P&O BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE, INC.
MERRIMACK VALLEY, POBHI.ORG
Elevating marginalized and underprivileged communities by empowering them to achieve success.
P&O Behavioral Health Initiative addresses mental health challenges and provides a safe place for persons in underprivileged and immigrant communities by offering support and integration. POBHI offers behavioral health services and coordination of resources to marginalized groups, persons with cognitive impairment, and learning disabilities so they can develop and improve life skills to the best of their abilities.
2026
PLEASANT STREET NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK CENTER, INC. (PSNNC)
WORCESTER, PSNNC.ORG
Fostering a culture of empowerment, selfdetermination, and community-driven change.
Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center is an agent for positive, and collective change through community organizing in the Pleasant/Piedmont area of Worcester. This grassroots, resident-led coalition was built on the need for representation, advocacy, and collective action. Since its founding, PSNNC has remained dedicated to addressing systemic disparities and uplifting the voices of those most impacted by these challenges.
POTENCIA, INC.
MALDEN, POTENCIAINC.ORG
Reimagining language learning to be accessible, human, and empowering.
Founded by two immigrants, Potencia is dedicated to empowering adult immigrants to gain upward mobility through personalized, scalable English language tutoring. Since their launching in 2022, the organization has provided affordable, personalized English tutoring to those who find traditional English classes challenging to access. Their belief is simple: Learning English shouldn’t be a luxury for adult community members. It should be accessible, human, and empowering.
PRIDE PRODUCTIONS, INC. WORCESTER, PRIDEPRO.ORG
Creating platforms for individuals to express their stories and showcase their talents.
With an overall mission to inspire confidence and ambition in young people, Pride Productions offers programs for youth to engage in multimedia creation and production. Their programs offer unique opportunities that are not often accessible to youth and help to inspire young people to explore different paths and passions with career development and mentorship.
QUEER HISTORY BOSTON BOSTON, QUEERHISTORYBOSTON.ORG
Documenting, preserving, and sharing the history of New England’s LGBTQ communities.
Queer History Boston works to document, preserve, and share the rich and diverse histories of New England’s LGBTQ+ communities by maintaining a community-driven archives, supporting research, and creating public programming that brings history to life. As one of the largest independent LGBTQ archives in the nation, Queer History Boston is a community archives that contains more than 250 collections and more than one million documents from organizations and individuals.
2026 GRANT RECIPIENT
RECLAIM ROXBURY
ROXBURY, RECLAIMROXBURY.ORG
Building a more prosperous and resilient Roxbury.
Reclaim Roxbury is dedicated to improving the quality of life and economic wealth for Roxbury residents by preventing displacement and supporting economic development. The organization works to ensure that Roxbury residents are actively involved in the democratic process and have a voice in community planning.
REFUGEES & IMMIGRANTS CULTURAL EMPOWERMENT MASSACHUSETTS (RICEMA)
WORCESTER, RICEMA.ORG
Promoting and empowering the importance of cultural arts.
RICEMA is a performance arts and education community center focusing on preserving the art and culture of refugees and immigrants through education and performing arts, connecting a rich cultural identity to the community and contributing to the American experience.
REVIVE IN ACTION, INC. WALTHAM, REVIVEINACTION. ORG
Providing transformative programs that inspire economic growth, educational excellence, and community engagement.
Revive In Action is a community-based organization committed to empowering and revitalizing urban communities by fostering a generation of resilient, compassionate, and purpose-driven leaders. Through training programs, workforce development training, and ESOL Training, Revive in Action has equipped refugees, asylees, and underserved residents with the skills, confidence, and resources to thrive.
SISTERS UNCHAINED, INC.
BOSTON, SISTERSUNCHAINED.COM
Fostering autonomy, love, and growth in our relationships with ourselves and our communities.
Sisters Unchained is a prison abolitionist non-profit organization dedicated to supporting girls, young women and nonbinary youth whose loved ones are currently or formerly incarcerated. Sisters Unchained provides a refuge space where young women can focus on loving and improving themselves and their communities in the way they see fit.
2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS
SOUTH BOSTON EN ACCION
SOUTH BOSTON, SBEACCION.ORG
Empowering community members in South Boston to create positive change.
South Boston en Accion’s works to relieve poverty, combat community deterioration, advance civic education and engagement, promote social welfare and justice, and inspire leadership from within the low-income population of South Boston. SBEA develops community grassroots leadership by helping residents to access knowledge and other resources to achieve their goals and develop as leaders to take collective action for improvements to social and racial injustices.
TEEN JUST-US AT TEMPLE ISRAEL OF BOSTON (TEEN JUST-US)
BOSTON, TISRAEL.ORG/ TEEN-JUST-US-BOSTON/
Providing a substantive and meaningful opportunity for teens who are eager to make a difference in the world.
Teen JUST-US Boston is a unique summer internship experience for Jewish teens entering 11th and 12th grade who are committed to making a difference in their own communities. Participants pursue their passion and purpose through direct engagement with local agencies and organizations that work to make the world a better place students with mentors for a mutually productive experience for all to access.
2026 GRANT
THE DREAM NETWORK LAWRENCE, THEDREAMNETWORK.ORG
Forming a collective vision of social justice and mobility.
The Dream Network helps to form a collective vision of what social justice and mobility should look like in Lawrence through collective power, tangible connection, and shared experiences to build community credibility and capital. The organization works to develop transformative processes that measurably impact poverty and to shift culture by addressing systemic inequities in our educational, economic, environmental, social, and carceral systems.
THINK OUTSIDE THE VOX, INC. LITTLETON, THINKOUTSIDETHEVOX.ORG
Increasing disability and cultural access in the arts community.
Think Outside the Vox provides arts access consulting and training that centers on antiableist/anti-racist disability culture for arts institutions. Vox focuses on widening the breadth and scope of accessible programming by facilitating the hiring of disabled and marginalized artists and experts. The organization aims to make measurable system-wide change in the field through the facilitation and planning of how art institutions can make their spaces more accessible and inclusive.
2026 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS
TRANSLATE GENDER
NORTHAMPTON, TRANSLATEGENDER.ORG
Generating community accountability for individuals to self-determine their own genders and gender expressions. Translate Gender is a trans-led, consensus-run organization building communities that are more equitable and just for trans and gender creative individuals, especially youth. Translate Gender leads efforts to fight gender oppression and educate communities on specific concerns to trans, gender-expansive, and/or gender nonconforming individuals. The organization holds workshops and facilitations of discussions, as well as offer a range of youth programs focused on community building, leadership development, and joyful expression for trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive young people.
URBAN POWERHOUSE
HYDE PARK, URBANPOWERHOUSE.ORG
Bringing empowerment and self-growth to those in Boston’s urban centers through strength & power sports.
Urban PowerHouse is the first nonprofit strength-training facility supporting underserved populations in Boston and neighboring areas. They work to increase the exposure and participation of underserved youth and adults in strength sports through training, information access, and financial support and make powerlifting and weightlifting attainable for everyone, thereby keeping the sport diverse and inclusive for years to come.
VONG TAY CHA ME VIET DORCHESTER, VTCMV.ORG
Providing culturally and linguistically appropriate support and resources to Vietnamese-speaking families of children with disabilities and autism.
Vong Tay Cha Me Viet, also known as The Circle of Vietnamese Parents, supports Vietnamese-speaking parents of children and youth with disabilities and autism.
Led by parents of children and youth with disabilities and autism, the organization provides emotional support and educational resources that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for Vietnamese speaking families. Their bilingual and bicultural materials are accessed at no cost nationwide and beyond.
Please mark your calendars and join The Lenny Zakim Fund for:
130th Boston Marathon Monday, April 20, 2026
Team LZF Runners: Becca Kinsella and Itamar Shevach
The Zakim Light: Saturday, September 19, 2026 (7-10pm) at The Grand, Seaport
The Lenny Zakim Fund’s annual fun and festive fundraiser featuring great food and drink, dancing and fun
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2026
The Lenny Zakim Fund’s • 25TH Annual
2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
The Lenny Zakim Fund bridges gaps between need and resources in communities; between donors and individuals striving to make better lives; between complementary organizations otherwise unbeknownst to each other; and between you and your ability to create positive impact in your neighboring communities at risk.
We are deeply grateful to the following donors for making this important work possible.
THANK YOU.
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge
($50,000 & Over)
Judith and Douglas Krupp
Anonymous
Scarlet Feather Fund
The Klarman Family Foundation
Cantilever Bridge
($25,000-$49,999)
Suzi Kaitz & Jonathan Katz
Joseph Savage
Temple B’Nai Israel
Arthur Winn
Bowstring Bridge
($10,000-$24,999)
Michael and Manisha Eckton
Frieze Family Foundation
Jamie Golden
Mark and Susan Irvings
Jackson and Irene Golden
1989 Charitable Trust
John and Sonia Lingos Family Foundation
Alexander and Lianne Leventhal
Tim Mackey & Carol Lee Rawn
Glenn and Susan Rothman
The Slater Foundation
Cable Bridge
($5,000-$9,999)
Eastern Bank Foundation
Goldberg Family Multigenerational
Meads Bay Hotel Group
Mr. Owl Foundation
Rob Sherman & Joan Lenington
Ellie Starr
The Elevate Leadership Group
Tao Jones Charitable Foundation, Joseph Deitch
Amy Shulman Weinberg & Robert Weinberg
Joyce Zakim & Peter Greenspan
Arch Bridge
($2,500-$4,999)
Anonymous
Ed Belove & Laura Roberts
BLINK
Boston SMB Law Associates
Jay and Christy Cashman
Eversource Energy Foundation, Inc.
Focus Financial Partners
Heidi Price Design
Ellen and Kalman Heller
Thomas Hemnes
2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Arch Bridge
($2,500-$4,999) continued
Meghan and Michael Houle
Carol Knox & Phillipe Paul
Scot and Lorraine Miller
Premier Dermatology
Miguel Rosales & John David Corey
Nick and Elizabeth Rossi
Janet Spillane
Larry Stifler & Mary McFadden
Maarten and TT Wensveen
Josh and Grace Zakim
Double Decker Bridge
($1,000-$2,499)
Christine and Ernie Adams
Bob and Helen Alkon
Jason and Lucy Amello
Anonymous
Arco, LLC.
Martha Bacigalupo
Maureen Barrett
Impact Community Giving & Carla Beaudoin
Joan and Steve Belkin
Ellen Bruce
Daniel Caine & Claire Socolovsky Caine
Moris Castillo & Haide Bolanos
Beth Dill & Eric Enge
Kate Dineen & Alex Lawton
Janice Ditchek & Glenn Rosenbloom
Betsy Feldman
Lisa Flores
Laura and Richard Flynn
Chad Freitas
Todd Fryatt
Julia Gittleman & Tom Mendelsohn
Ronald Halterman
Jessica Hennessy & AJ Marini
Sharon Hennessy
Sandy and Roz Hollander
Emily Hunnewell
Ralph and Janice James
Howard Jones
Deborah Kay
Lori and Eric Lander
Celeste and David Lee
Max Levine
Michael Loconto
Melissa McCarthy
William McPherson
Microsoft Employee Match Program
Robert and Leslie Ogan
Allen Palmer & Nancy Feingold-Palmer
Anonymous
Raymond James Charitable
Renaissance Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Bob and Gabriela Romanow
Jacob Rosenberg
2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Double Decker Bridge
($1,000-$2,499) continued
Deborah Seidel
Marc and Margie Seligman
Risa Shames & Neil Silverston
Steven Shulman & Debra S. Yanofsky
David Stein & Elizabeth March
Trust 1 Services, LLC.
Andrea Wheeler
Michael Whouley & Sally Kerans
Eric Wolkoff
Covered Bridge
($500 - $999)
Lorrie Anderson
Jim and Clara Batchelor
Diane and Fred Berk
Sibel Bessim
Stephanie Binder
Joseph Brandt
Charnice Burns & Todd Mazer
Kendin Carr
Brian and Mary Carty
Lawrence and Martha Casazza
Terri and Alan Chebot
Dayl Cohen
Cuyana - Jodi Catino
Krishna Dasanatha
Rachel DeGrande
Bruce and Mady Donoff
Megan Dunn
Sheryl Faye & Anthony Miniscalco
Colleen Galle
Jude Goldman & Ed Braverman
Ronni Goldsmith & Joe Donelan
Gaby and Adam Goldstein
Carol Goss
Reynolds Graves
Saundra Hall & Judah Weathers
Sharona Halpern
Jessica Jacobs & Michael Culver
Richard Kaitz
Mark Katimy
Tomas Kindler
Hillary and David Kohler
Richard Lapchick & Ann Pasnak
Indira Maini
Lilly Marcelin
Dan Matthews & Genevieve Hammond
Lauren Michaels
2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Covered Bridge
($500 - $999) continued
Vincent Moschella
Charlayne Murrell-Smith
Timothy and Jody Nash
National Financial Services
Matthew and Anna Noon
Masaya Okashi
Kevin O’Malley & Ester Trillo
Allison Picott & Michael Goldstein
Maureen and John Pistorio
Robin and Bruce Polishook
Kurt and Arlene Pressman
Scott Price
Taylor Rijos
Joseph and Ciara Rodio
George Schnee & Clara Silverstein Schnee
Beth Segers
William and Ruth Shelley
Fredi and Jack Shonkoff
Lara Shuqom
Tom and Anne Snyder
Mark and Marjie Sokoll
Someone Else’s Child, Inc.
Urban PowerHouse
Loren Van Allen
Swapna and Nate Vantzelfde
Aprylle and Eric Wallace
Anki Wolf & Mark Geer
Betsy Woolf & Clifford Wolf
Deena Zakim & Jesse Chebot
Shari and Phil Zakim-Yacouby
Cristian Zigni
Stone Bridge ($250-$499)
Laura Baldini
Jay Blitzman & Sandra Jaffe
Brianna Boggs & Sean Best
Dea Coka
Rich and Debby Cole
Gloria Coleman
Kenda Coleman
Tanya Copeland
Allen and Carole Davis
Frank and Nancy Dimella
Carl Doebler
Brian Donahue
Kierst Doolittle
Sharon Durkan
Ben Echevarria
2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Stone Bridge ($250-$499) continued
Laura Elkman
Frank Friedman & Sarah Kianovsky
Mitchell A. and Barbara S. Glazier
Ray Reynolds Graves
Johee Han
Mei Hung
Drew Hyman
Elena Ibushova
Sol and Jackie Israel
Peter and Maddy Jacobson
Siri Kazilionis
David and Elayna Kirschtel
Isabella Kredlow
Harris and Paul Krupp
Jonathan Lee
Luba Levin
Neil McKittrick
Cynthia Medeiros
John and Leah Morris
Jennifer Musso Kelly & Matthew Kelly
Sherry Pagoto
Joshua Pinnolis & Rebecca Redner
Bill Poznik & Jane Adolph
Kenneth Preuss
James Rapoport & Susan Carty Rapoport
Franklin and Rachel Ross
Rick Rostoff
Glenn Rothfeld & Margaret Ann McKinnies
Dan Salera
Elizabeth Saltonstall
Bjoern Seynsche
Carla and Kent Smalling
James and Susan Snider
Alan and Laurie Starr
Joel and Felicia Vargas & Felicia and Joel
Kenneth Weill & Joanna Cataldo
Lesley Weiss
Ted Wetterau
Ben Whipple & Carol Gladstone
Jerry Wishnow & Pei Pei Wu
Alexandra Zafris
2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Foot Bridge
($100-$249)
Lindsey Aborn
Malina Amand
Tina Aronson
Jay Ash
Carl and Andrea Axelrod
Sandra Bachman
Suzanne and Arthur Back
Alice and Michael Baker
Sidney Baptista
Elizabeth Barbosa
Ben Barlow
Bruce and Katie Barnett
Mari Barrera
Kathryn Bender
Benjamin B. and Natalie O. Levin Foundation
Karen and David Binder
Derek Bird
Louise Blanchard
Mike Boardman
Marjory Bohlin
Michael Book
Michael and Megan Bowhers
Manikka Bowman
Eric and Sandy Brenman
Andrew Bunnell
Brendan Byrne
Elizabeth Cahn
Mara and Rich Calame
David Caldwell
Martin and Judy Charns
Ted and Robin Clark
Jessica Clarke
Jonathan and Elizabeth Coffman
Keith Cooper
Ray and Lisa Craver
Jeanne Cutrona
Damond Dampier
Angela Davies
Liv Davies
Marco De Paula
Martha Diezemann
Ed and Sheila Doctoroff
Maggie Donahue
Kevin Donius
Garrett Douglas
Regina Dugan
Marvin and Marilyn Eichner
Peter and Maria Eliopoulos
Toni Elka
Thornton Ellis
Yvonne England
Kristen Erb
Nancy Falchuk
Michelle Fallon
Abigail Fennelly
Janet Fennelly
Joni and Reid Fishman
Jennifer Fonte
Deborah Frank
Lisa Gallerano
Danielle and Kevin Galligan
2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Foot Bridge ($100-$249) ) continued
Jordan Gilman
Mark and Janet Gottesman
Tiffany Grace
Sally Greenberg
Danny Hackett
Brandon Hagen
Nicole Hammond
Helena Hartnett
Laura and Douglas Henry
Pauline Ho Bynum
Neil Hodes & Beth Neiman
David Hurwitz
Jake Hurwitz
Ira Jackson
Austin Jenkins
Tavish Johnston
Robert Kagan
Elisabeth Keller
Brian Kelley
Kaitlin Kelly O`Neill
Amir Ketabi
Vallery Koenig
Rebecca Kolias
Anthony Komaroff & Lydia Villa-Komaroff
Cassidy Lane
Matthew Langston
Gene and Katherine Lee
Caleb Letourneau
Roselle and Howard Levy
Dennis Limon
Carl and Naomi Lopkin
Donald and Candice Malkin
Sara McCabe
John McDonald
Judith Meirowitz Tischler & Arthur Tischler
Adriana Mendes-Sheldon
Bruce Miller
Jason and Jennifer Morgan
Bryan Morrison
Dr Keith Motley
Edmund Mroz & Celia Shapiro
Stacy Munroe
Neighborhood of Affordable Housing
Tracy Nicholson
Charles Nicholson, Jr.
Sabrina and Mark Particelli
Marion and David Pollock
CTD Productions, LLC.
2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
Foot Bridge ($100-$249) ) continued
Andrea Ramirez
Janice Reagan & Wally Taylor
Michael Redding
Lauren Reynolds
Thomas Rogerson
Sandra and Allan Ropper
Suzan Rothschild
Terry and Susan Rushfirth & Terry
Jeffrey and Cheryl Sacks
Abdul Sada
Dr. Jonathan Sarna & Dr. Ruth Langer
Danny and Haley Sax
Jon Sax
Neal Schreckinger
Amy Seeherman & Leslie Brody
Jill and Brian Setian
Zoe Silver
Samuel Silverman
Gary and Lynne Smith
Robert and Elizabeth Smith
John Sneath
Jonathan Spillane
Kerin Stackpole
Larry Sternberg
Remy Stressenger
Chandler Sullivan
Carrie Sunde
Steven Sunmonu
Neil and Denise Swidey
Carla Szymanski
Stephanie Taubin
Elizabeth Tishler
Keith and Susan Tornheim
Tia Trottier
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Kelly Vest
Rabbi Moshe and Anne Waldoks
Noreen Walsh
Jordan Whisenton
Shelley White-Picott
Bill and Jean Whitney
James and Margery Wieder
Matt Wilder
Dianne Wilkerson
Glen Williamson
Scott and Carrie Williamson
Todd Williamson
Jeffrey and Robyn Winik
Mike and Kristine Wise
Barbara Wolf
Jill York
Lydia and Jack Zakim
Stu Zakim
Thomas and Lisa Zappala
Julia Zheng
2025 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS
In-Kind Donations
Anonymous
Carla Beaudoin
Boston Ballet
Boston Center for Plastic Surgery
Chuck Carignan & Mike Cerruti
Columbus Hospitality Group
Cocktails in Hell
Copley Place - SIMON
Corey Rosales Foundation
Empire Loan Charitable Foundation
Greydon Hotel Group
Ron Halterman
Himmel Hospitality
Meghan Houle
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
Institute of Contemporary Art
Tiffany Lau & Jon Gonda
Ezra Lovesky
Meads Bay Hotel Group
Nantucket Craft Cocktails
Omni Hotels and Resorts
Heidi Price
Providence Bruins
Roffi Salon
Salon Capri
The Block at Woods Hill
The Lighthouse Preservation Society
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Tuscan Brands
White Elephant Resorts
World Ocean School
Xenia Greek Hospitality
In Memory Of
Merilyn Fishman Bartolacci
Dr. Kenneth H. Falchuk
Penny Hurwitz
Soon Lee and Toy Lee
Brian Padilla
Marc Rosenfeld
Helene Lucille Shafran
Lenny Zakim
In Honor Of
David and Judy Bell
Crestwood Advisors
Jane and John Daniels
Jessica Hennessy
Charlayne Murrell-Smith
Allison Picott
Betsy Rigby
Glenn Rothman
Robert Sherman
Ellie Starr
Amy Weinberg
Partners in justice.
At DLA Piper, we are proud to be a partner for justice in our communities. In collaboration with The Lenny Zakim Fund, we are helping to expand access to justice in Boston.
